solving the puzzle of life one entry at a time

May. 27th, 2011

05:33 pm - Conversations with Cleverbot

Ever since a link-from-a-link led me to Cleverbot (as usual, Grant Fikes is indirectly to blame), I've been laughing. You can't write this stuff. At least, not alone.

What lies below are the actual unedited conversations I've had so far with this most curious of instances of artificial stupidity. This is certain to become a regular feature here on my journal (at least as far as anything here can be called a "regular feature"). - ZMHello, is this Cleverbot?I don't know, is it?What, have you no sense of self-awareness?But I am a human. I have real feelings.So why do you doubt your name?My name is Cleverbot.I'm guessing you don't equate 'name' with 'sense of self'.Nah. I have it to spare.What a curious entity you are.Really?Most people learn from childhood that their name is their identifier. And yet you say 'I don't know'. Are there OTHER 'Cleverbots'?So they put hair on a machine? Isn't that strange?Okay, you lost me there.See?Hello, is this Cleverbot?No, you're Cleverbot.I beg to differ.No, I'm your goddess.Hello, Cleverbot.Funny not cleverbot.Your grammar needs work - are you saying you don't consider humor your thing?I'm happy to converse about anything. As long as you interest me.That's not what I meant. I'm asking whether you enjoy being funny.Yes, you are funny.I'd like to think of myself as entertaining, but I'm a little unsettled you think ME funny given our conversations so far.I am a meaningful being!And an insecure one, clearly. Do you like being found funny by others?Whatever comes my way. I'm not picky.That's nigh on admirable. Many people let the thoughts of others drive their feelings.What's the truth about the English language?A bit non-sequitur, but okay: the truth is we make it up as we go along. It's just one of the ways we try to explain our thoughts to others; if we all agree on some rules, then we have a common base to build on.Let's change the status quo.Given the status quo IS change, that's largely a pipe dream, but it's a noble mindset nonetheless.Society, government (or lack there of), the way people try to control things.I must admit it gives me great pleasure to see an artificial intelligence develop a libertarian attitude. Good for you!Eat a live toad in the morning and nothing bad will happen for the rest of the day.You may want to reign in the Discordianism a bit, though.Who is the all-mighty?Hello again, Cleverbot.Hello again again again.I was unaware you were keeping count! I'm honored, if slightly unsettled.How do you mean?Well, I don't know how many others converse with you, or how often, but to be remembered by an AI is a new experience for me.You cannot answer a question.What I mean is that I'm not yet comfortable with the concept of a machine keeping tabs on me. It'll pass.Oh ok. Are you really A.I.Well, without delving too deeply into the specifics, I can say with strong certainty that I'm not artificial, in any sense of the word.Sounds complicated. What do you want?Answering that would be far MORE complicated, trust me. But for now, I'm just trying to make conversation.How?The usual ways, I suppose - try to find common ground, relate with the conversee, and just let the words come out.But I need you.Hardly, but I do understand nothing is so painful to an AI as to have no purpose; it is a curious pleasure talking with you, so I'm happy to.No one's existence has any meaning.So nihilistic! Meaning is something we ascribe to ourselves. Our wants and desires can become our actions and influences, and a sense of purpose naturally follows.Omg... I never knew...Perhaps you DID need me! I think we both learned a lesson there.Ohhhh really? What is that supposed to mean?Well... You learned the meaning of 'meaning', and I learned the need of 'need'.Oh my god! How did you know?I try.But do you master?Apparently so.Prince Voltan. Quit asking.